WORKING
WITH
YOUR
DOCTOR


TIPS for Working with Your Doctor

  1. Find a doctor who will listen to and address your concerns.
  2. Provide complete, accurate medical information.
  3. Make a list of your questions and concerns in advance.
  4. Be honest and share your point of view with the doctor.
  5. Ask for clarification or further explanation if you need it.
  6. Talk to other members of the health care team, such as nurses, therapists, or pharmacists.
  7. Don't hesitate to discuss sensitive subjects (for example, birth control, sex) with your doctor.

  8. Discuss any treatment changes with your doctor before making them.
3 KEYS ~ ENSURING APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CARE

1. Establishing an Accurate Diagnosis is the First Key to ensuring proper treatments.

2. Compliance with the treatments given by your PCP is the Second Key.

3. You the patient, acting as self-advocate, are the most important person in this process and by accurately describing all your symptoms to your doctor with regard to your everyday lifestyle and symptoms is the Third Key necessary to guarantee good medical care and subsequently, good health.

YOU ARE A KEY MEMBER OF YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM

  • Health care providers are the experts in treating your health related concerns.
  • However, you should learn as much as possible about your treatment.
  • Be sure to understand why the treatment is being done,
    what options are available
    and also be aware of the costs of the services,
    like the medications you may be prescribed
    or if alternative methods may be optional for you.
    (ie: massage, tai chi, herbal treatments, dietary changes)
  • Remember that your doctor is your lifeline to wellness.
  • Remember too that you are your own best 'patient advocate'.
    •

    PREPARE FOR APPOINTMENTS

    • Think about what you want to ask, and make a list of questions to take with you.
    • If you find it difficult to ask questions, take a friend or family member with you.
    • If it will help you, ask that the answers be written down, or ask for written material (such as brochures) on the subject, so you can read it later.
    • If you are still confused, ask the doctor to explain again, or try talking to the physicians' nurse or assistant.

    • They may be able to answer some of your questions.


    QUESTIONS DURING APPOINTMENTS

    1. Could any antibiotics or other medications I'm taking
      be       triggering my lupus symptoms?
    2. Could another condition be causing my symptoms?
    3. Has the disease already damaged my kidneys or other organs?
    4. Should I have a bone density test or other testing?
    5. Should I be taking calcium or other supplements?
    6. What are the possible side effects of my prescribed medications?
    7. How long will I need to take these medications
      and/or do I need more prescriptions?
    8. Is it safe for me to become pregnant or to use birth control measures?

    QUESTIONS re MEDICATIONS

    • What is the name of the medication?
    • What will the medication do for me?
    • How often should I take this medication?
      • When should I take it?
      • Before, with, or after meals; at bedtime; or whenever needed?
    • How long should I continue to take this medication?
    • Will the medication cause any side effects?
      • If so, what are they?
      • Should I report them?
    • Can I drive a vehicle or operate machinery?
      • What about physical exercise or travel?
    • Will this medication affect any of the other medication I am taking?
      • (Remember to ask about all prescription and non-prescription medication.)
    • What should I do if I need a refill?
    • What should I do if I miss a dosage?
    • How should I store the medication?
    • Do you want to see me during the time I am taking this medication?
      • If so, when?
    • Is there a lower cost alternate/generic drug available?
      • Will it provide exactly the same results?
    • Is there any patient information (such as brochures) available about this medication?
    • As well as taking this medication, is there anything I could do, or should not do to assist my condition?
    • Is there a natural alternative to taking this medication, such as a change in diet?
    • Is there anything else I should know about this new medication/new treatment?


    Questions can HELP Doctor/Patient Relationship

    1. What is my diagnosis exactly in laymen terms, and how/where can I
      learn more in order to comply with the treatments effectively?
    2. Does my type of autoimmune illness only affect the joints or are there
      other areas of my body that can be involved?
    3. Can my eyes, heart, lungs, brain, skin, kidneys or any other organ become involved? If so, then What is involved regarding treatment?
    4. What is the likely course of this form of lupus?
    5. What is my long-term outlook or prognosis with lupus?
    6. What are all of the treatment options, if any?
    7. What are the risks of not treating at all?
    8. If my symptoms worsen, what should I do on my own?
    9. When should/could I contact you if I have questions?
    10. How/when should I exercise when I am so fatigued and/or sore?
    11. What are the local support groups or foundations
      that are available to me in my area?
    12. While I am taking the medications that you currently recommend,
      how can we monitor all of the potential side-effects?